The Fighters: Introduction (01:36)
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Approximately 1 million children are involved in human trafficking worldwide. Cecilia Flores-Oebanda hopes to convince Manny Pacquiao to join the fight against trafficking in the Philippines.
Sex Trafficking (03:53)
Manila's business district is a popular area for trafficking; there are approximately 100,000 children in the illegal industry. "Maria," recruited at age 15, sometimes has to be with 13 customers a day. Men pay a premium for virgins.
Rescue Operations (03:45)
The Coast Guard finds three suspected sex trafficking rings aboard a ship. Flores-Oebanda and her task force question individuals and officials escort a group of traffickers off the boat.
Human Trafficking Awareness (04:11)
Trafficking occurs on every continent; few are aware of the danger. Poverty and pollution are rampant in Manila; Pacquiao understands the plight of the poor.
Center of Hope (03:56)
Flores-Oebanda shares information learned from recently rescued trafficking victims. At a local shelter, girls ranging in age from 9-20 play behind locked gates. The Visayan Forum struggles to provide essentials and training.
Young Trafficking Victims (07:11)
Three girls under the age of 12 share their stories of sex trafficking. Flores-Oebanda discusses physical reactions to psychological wounds. The girls express negative opinions of Americans.
Visayan Forum (04:49)
Pacquiao visits trafficking victims. A girl shares her story of domestic servitude. Pacquiao discusses his childhood and promises to help.
Victimization and Committee Meeting (06:35)
The Philippines is the largest Catholic nation in Asia and has the highest birth rate. Job disparity creates a thriving environment for traffickers. Committee members debate contraception. Flores-Oebanda promotes a bill to improve anti-trafficking laws; Pacquiao is absent.
Legal Hearing (02:45)
Flores-Oebanda and social workers accompany the victims rescued from the ship; the traffickers enter to hear the charges. Flores-Oebanda reflects on continuing to fight against slavery.
Poverty and Trafficking (03:45)
Flores-Oebanda cites the need for Pacquiao's support. Nearly half of the Philippine population lives in poverty and many people travel abroad in search of work; traffickers prey on the destitute. Philippine women rescued from Syria share their trafficking stories.
Trafficking Raid (07:05)
Flores-Oebanda and social workers accompany officials on a rescue mission and speak with victims; the trafficker is not cooperative. A confiscated cellphone provides evidence. At headquarters, media members surround the victim and suspect.
Congressional Speech (09:19)
Flores-Oebanda and her team prepare to propose amendments to trafficking laws and await Pacquiao's arrival. Distractions make it difficult for Flores-Oebanda and Pacquiao to review the speech. Pacquiao speaks before Congress.
Fraud Accusations (09:52)
The U.S. embassy files falsification charges against Visayan Forum. Renoir Baldovino believes Flores-Oebanda siphoned money for personal use; bank records suggest otherwise. Gloria Steele says USAID will continue to support Filipino groups. Flores-Oebanda is disheartened.
Professional Struggles (02:39)
In 2012, Pacquiao's boxing career becomes uncertain and fraud accusations hurt the Visayan Forum's reputation. Flores-Oebanda speaks to a small group of students.
Visayan Forum Troubles (07:23)
Over 80% of the staff has left since the start of the controversy and the Center of Hope is in danger of closing; Pacquiao continues to support Flores-Oebanda. Flores-Oebanda sues the auditor and former bookkeeper. See an update on program participants.
Credits: The Fighters: A CNN Freedom Project Documentary (00:17)
Credits: The Fighters: A CNN Freedom Project Documentary
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